The Gender Initiative
The Initiative is a reservoir of already existing gender resources; from reports, toolkits, research, policy papers, position papers, user guides, frameworks and other relevant gender resources.
The Initiative provides a platform for individuals to share their stories in a safe space providing confidentiality and offering professional support where required.
The Initiative sparks gender conversations on topics that not given the saliency they deserve. Ensuring healthy constructive debates are had.
Vision:
To build an inclusive society where gender equality empowers everyone, fostering sustainable development through equitable policies and practices.
Mission Statement:
To promote gender equality by transforming norms, enhancing justice, increasing representation, and integrating gender perspectives in all sectors. We collaborate with governments, communities, and organizations, ensuring every gender is part of our journey toward meaningful and lasting change.
Concerns: Deep-rooted gender norms and stereotypes continue to perpetuate discrimination and inequality, limiting opportunities for women and marginalized groups.
Solution: The initiative seeks to demystify and challenge these norms through community engagement, awareness campaigns, and education. Promoting positive masculinity and empowering both men and women to become champions of gender equality are key strategies.
Concerns: There are significant gaps in the justice system regarding the protection and enforcement of women’s rights, particularly in cases of gender-based violence and discrimination.
Solution: By advocating for stronger policy frameworks and supporting the implementation of existing laws, the initiative aims to enhance access to justice for all genders. Training legal professionals and law enforcement on gender sensitivity is also a priority.
Concerns: Women are disproportionately affected by climate change due to their roles in agriculture, water management, and as primary caregivers, yet they are often excluded from climate decision-making processes.
Solution: Integrating gender perspectives into climate policies and actions is essential. The initiative promotes gender-responsive climate strategies and supports women-led climate resilience projects, ensuring their voices are heard in environmental governance.
Concerns: Gender norms and stereotypes deeply affect children’s development, leading to gendered disparities in education, health, and social opportunities. Girls often face higher barriers to education and healthcare, while boys may be pressured into harmful gender roles.
Solution: To ensure gender equality from an early age, there is a need for programs that promote positive gender norms and equitable opportunities for all children.
Ruth Nashipae Muigai,
LLB(Hons), LLM Human Rights, University of East London
Our Founder is a seasoned legal professional with 12 years of experience, holding an LLB (Hons) and an LLM (Merit) in International Law and Human Rights from the University of East London. PhD in Law candidate at Middlesex University, Ruth is a dedicated lecturer at the Kenya School of Government. She is a Mandela Washington Fellow, a Transform Norms Fellow, and an active member of YOUNGO. Recognized as a climate expert by AGNES and a UNCC certified climate negotiator, Ruth is a board leader whose work is centered on advancing gender equality and climate justice through robust policy advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Concerns: Women’s underrepresentation in decision-making positions at all levels of government and the private sector undermines the potential for inclusive governance.
Solution: The initiative focuses on increasing women’s participation in leadership roles through capacity-building programs, mentorship, and advocacy for gender-inclusive policies. Engaging policymakers to support gender-responsive governance is critical.
With strength as her armor and love as her guide, She conquers mountains, she crosses the tide. With each step she takes, she paves the way, For a world where equality reigns every day.
The Essence of Womanhood
There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.
Former Secretary General of the United Nations
African Women in general need to know that it’s okay for them to be the way they are as a strength, and to be liberated from fear and from silence.
Nobel Laureate
Concerns: There is a lack of systematic integration of gender perspectives in policies, programs, and practices across sectors, leading to ineffective interventions and persistent gender inequalities. This is despite our legal protections.
Solution: The initiative advocates for comprehensive gender mainstreaming by providing tools, resources, and training to government officials, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders. Utilizing data and research to inform gender-sensitive policy development is fundamental.
The Gender Initiative recognizes the intersecting challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly women, in accessing services and combating discrimination. By advocating for inclusive policies and fostering community awareness, the initiative seeks to address these issues effectively. Through strategic partnerships and data-driven approaches, it aims to create a more equitable society where everyone, regardless of gender or ability, can fully participate and flourish.
Your experiences, whether big or small, have the power to shape perceptions, challenge norms, and inspire change. By contributing your voice, you’re not only amplifying diverse perspectives but also fostering empathy and driving progress towards a more inclusive society.
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The Initiative was developed by our founder as part of her Mandela Washington Fellowship Project. She envisioned an initiative that would provide much needed support to organizations, government, individuals and community in gender matters.
